I urge you to join my fight by signing this petition to stop hundreds of local pharmacies from closing due to lack of Government funding. Local and independent pharmacies get 96% of their funding from the NHS and the Government. However, at current funding levels, local community pharmacies like mine will become a thing of the past.

Despite recent announcements from the Government, hard pressed local pharmacies across the country are being pushed over the edge by being constantly asked to do more without the necessary funding.  No matter what the Government says, there is a funding shortfall of £1.2 billion across the country.

Many people are shocked to learn about the number of pharmacists like me and my colleagues who are racking up debt just to keep going. Pharmacists have come to me in tears because they have had to borrow from friends and family just to keep going.  

The harsh reality is that without immediate financial support, countless local pharmacies will be forced to close their doors permanently. I hope you’ll agree that’s unthinkable when so many people are struggling to see their GPs and the NHS is under massive pressure.

Every local pharmacy closure is a blow to the local community who depend on its vital services. It also increases pressure on the pharmacies that manage to remain afloat despite chronic underfunding.

And what’s so frustrating is that given the proper funding local pharmacies could do so much more for patients, thereby reducing the overall pressure on the NHS. Research shows that every £1 invested in primary care services, like pharmacies, saves £2 in NHS specialist care.

Every day counts. With 8 pharmacies closing their doors every week, the clock is ticking, and the survival of our local pharmacies hangs in the balance. This may be the last chance to #StopPharmacyClosures before a General Election.

Please sign to #StopPharmacyClosures before it's too late. Every signature helps make our call for action louder and stronger.
 
Ian Strachan 
 
Ian Strachan is a pharmacist